Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for
Lasers and Laser Light Shows
Do you do laser shows?
Yes! Dynamic FX is an industry-leading provider of laser light shows and is equipped to handle multiple events and venues. We offer turnkey packages with all necessary equipment designed to drop into events with as little planning as possible.
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What exactly is a laser light show?
A laser light show is a live performance using laser light to produce a display in the air or on a surface. This display can vary, but a laser light show generally refers to a presentation similar to a movie or concert. Most shows are presented with lighting displays that match the emotion and texture of sound and are played on time with live or pre-recorded music but can also be silent and match other visual cues.
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Can you do a laser show outdoors & where can you do laser shows?
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Yes, we can do laser shows indoors and outdoors in spaces of all sizes. Outdoor shows are subject to weather conditions; the laser projectors ARE rated for outdoor use. However, laser light requires an atmospheric vapor (fog, haze, mist, etc.) to become visible, and this vapor can get carried away by excessive wind or air turbulence. Larger areas can require more atmospheric generating equipment. Outdoor shows are also subject to FAA regulations; we can perform outdoors with proper termination points (trees, walls, tents, etc.) or with paperwork arranged in advance.
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How much space do we need for an outdoor laser show?
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Dynamic FX can fit into almost any space for a show, and we have solutions for almost any type of setup. This setup area varies for the size of your show, and how many people are in attendance! However, you can expect this setup to have our lasers in a straight line creating a focus point for the show. This is commonly like a tiny stage for a public concert on the town green, or a movie put on in a park. These setups are very similar. Please check the link below for pictures and videos of common outdoor laser show setups.
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https://www.dynamicsfx.com/civic-event-lasers
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Why is fog or haze needed to see a laser?
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For any light to be visible, it needs to pass through some atmospheric particle, such as when you see radiant sunlight shining through clouds or a streetlamp on a damp, foggy night. The light you see enters your eye after the particle refracts it. Refraction is the redirection of a wave (the light) as it passes from one medium (the atmospheric particle) to another (the air).
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Why do we need to look in the direction of the laser projector and not where they are pointing?
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As light waves travel through atmospheric particles and refract, their exit direction will attempt to mirror the entrance direction. This is due to the momentum affecting light particles (photons). The closer the exit point is to a straight line from the entry point, the more light travels in that direction. Simply put: More light is visible from the opposite direction a laser projector is shooting.
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Why does it need to be dark to see a laser?
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Imagine a candle illuminating a dark room on its own, then compare that same candle and room while bright halogen ceiling lights are on. It becomes challenging to tell if the candle is even emitting light. Light adds together and creates a collective illumination in a given area. This illumination can change the perceived colors of our lasers and render them harder to see as our eyes intake the collective light and cannot differentiate individual light sources.
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Are the lasers dangerous to look at?
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Laser light is ONLY dangerous on direct contact if it enters your eye directly from the emission point, NOT due to viewing the light as a result of particle refraction or reflection off opaque surfaces. Laser light from a perfectly reflective surface should be scattered enough to avoid permanent eye damage from short-term exposure, but repeated exposure is not advised. Audience Scanning refers to a laser that is purposely and safely allowed to emit or project past an ordinarily safe area due to lenses over the laser aperture that scatter directed light and power output adjustments in laser software before operation. This is only allowed under these circumstances with proper documentation and signage, which Dynamic FX can provide.
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Where is the best viewing location to watch a laser show?
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Lasers emit from an aperture in a cone shape, and as light particles, or photons, travel from this point, they scatter, rendering the light less visible over time, therefore the best viewing location exists in between the point where the cone becomes wide enough to determine shapes and the point where the light becomes less visible. This is generally between 30ft to 300ft in front of the laser projectors and the center of the venue.
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How many colors can your laser make?
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14.1 million – either as solid colors or color combinations.
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How much power do you need for a laser show?
In most cases, we require 3-phase power for use with our distribution units that power multiple types of units we need to use at a show. Smaller shows require a minimum of five (5) 20 Amp circuits free of any other connected loads.
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In many cases for outdoor shows, we would require a towable generator with 3-phase power connections. These models range but we can make good use of 10kW ~ 25kW. Anything past 25kW would be considered wasteful with the idea of environmental protection.
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Do you handle permits?
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Yes, Dynamic FX files all necessary paperwork for state regulations, local permits, and all federal compliance, including the FAA if applicable. As the provider working with federally managed devices, we MUST be the party that deals with all regulatory conditions, including all state and local regulations. We do not require anyone to reach out to governing bodies on our behalf.
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What is the lowest price you can do a laser show for?
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There is no “one size fits all” for pricing; every show is unique and requires an assessment of needs and capabilities. In general, pricing is a product of variables that include equipment, labor, transportation, location, custom programming, and dates.
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Can I see examples of your work?
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Dynamic FX displays its work on our website, www.dynamicsfx.com,
Videos on YouTube, www.youtube.com/user/dynamiclasers,
and social media @DynamicSFX.
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